Sandgate, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sandgate Brisbane, Queensland
Former Sandgate post office (now The Sandgate Post Office Hotel)
Sandgate Location in Queensland
Population	4,926 (2021 census)
• Density	1,263/km2 (3,270/sq mi)
Established	1853
Postcode(s)	4017
Area	3.9 km2 (1.5 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	20.5 km (13 mi) NNE of Brisbane CBD
LGA(s)	City of Brisbane (Deagon Ward)
State electorate(s)	Sandgate
Federal Division(s)	Lilley
Suburbs around Sandgate: Bracken Ridge Brighton Moreton Bay Bracken Ridge Sandgate Moreton Bay Deagon Boondall Shorncliffe

Sandgate is a cool coastal suburb located north of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. In 2021, about 4,926 people called Sandgate home.

For over a hundred years, people from Brisbane have loved visiting Sandgate. It's still a popular spot today, thanks to its beautiful coastline. You can enjoy walks like Lovers Walk between Sandgate and Shorncliffe, or relax at Moora Park and Beach.

Where is Sandgate Located?

Sandgate sits right on the coast, next to Bramble Bay, which is part of the bigger Moreton Bay. On its western side, you'll find the Gateway Motorway.

The Shorncliffe railway line runs through Sandgate. You can catch a train at Sandgate railway station on Chubb Street.

Sandgate is also home to the Deagon Wetlands. These wetlands are an important part of Brisbane's North East Wetlands.

You'll find two lagoons in Sandgate. Dowse Lagoon is in the middle of the suburb. It was named in 1975 after Thomas Dowse, an early settler from 1853. A smaller lagoon, Einbunpin Lagoon, is nearby.

A Look Back: Sandgate's History

Who Lived Here First?

The Turrbul people were the first inhabitants of this coastal area. They lived along the seashore, creeks, and lagoons from Nudgee Beach to the Pine River. They were part of the Yugarabul speaking people. In their language, they called their coastal land "Warra", meaning "an open sheet of water". This land is now Sandgate, Shorncliffe, and Brighton. They knew the land well and used spears, nullas, and boomerangs for hunting. They also used woven nets for fishing.

How Sandgate Got Its Name

British settlers first called the area Cabbage Tree Creek. Later, a surveyor named James Burnett officially named the town Sandgate. He named it after a seaside town called Sandgate in Kent, England. The English Sandgate had a military camp called Shorncliffe Camp. Because of similar cliffs, Burnett also named the nearby suburb Shorncliffe after this camp.

Land in Sandgate became available in 1853, and a small seaside community began to grow.

Early Buildings and People

One of the first buildings was a Native Police barracks. In 1872, Robert Travers Atkin, a local politician, passed away in Sandgate. He was buried here, and a church, the first St Margaret's, was built near his grave. This building is now used as the rectory.

Sandgate State School in 1956

In 1873, people decided to open a school. Sandgate State School welcomed its first students on September 15, 1873. It started in a church chapel and then moved into its own building in 1874.

Sandgate Fire Brigade outside the fire station in 1923

By 1874, coach services connected Sandgate to Brisbane, making travel easier.

Becoming a Town

On April 29, 1880, Sandgate officially became a municipality, or town, called the Borough of Sandgate. This meant it had its own town council. The council provided services like a fire department, ambulance, and road maintenance.

The first Sandgate Town Hall opened in 1911. It was renovated in 2011 for its 100th birthday. In October 1925, Sandgate joined the larger City of Brisbane.

Churches in Sandgate

• An Anglican Church, St Nicolas', opened in 1880. It was named after the patron saint of sailors. This church closed in 1988.
• The first Catholic Church opened in 1881. It's now used as an office for Sacred Heart Primary School.
• The new Sacred Heart Catholic Church opened in 1892.
• The Sandgate Baptist Church opened in 1887. It's no longer a church but is now a child care centre.
• A Methodist church, now the Brighton Uniting Church, opened in 1920. It's now a house.

The Railway Arrives

The railway came to Sandgate in 1882. This made the area grow much faster. You could travel to Brisbane by train in less than half an hour!

Schools in Sandgate

Sacred Heart Catholic School opened in 1893 in the old Catholic church building. It started with 50 students and was run by the Sisters of Mercy. The school provided secondary education until 1980.

Sandgate District State High School opened on January 26, 1959. The first classes were held in the Sandgate Town Hall because the school building wasn't ready yet.

How Many People Live Here?

In 2011, Sandgate had 4,626 people. Most people (77.8%) were born in Australia. The next most common countries were England and New Zealand. Most people (92.1%) spoke only English at home.

By 2016, the population grew to 4,909 people. In 2021, it was 4,926 people.

Important Places and Buildings

Sandgate Town Hall

Sandgate has several places listed for their historical importance. These include:

• The former Sandgate Post Office, now a hotel.
• The former Sandgate Town Hall.
• The Sacred Heart Catholic Church Precinct.
• The former Sandgate Baptist Church.
• Sandgate War Memorial Park.
• Broadhurst, Sandgate, a heritage house.

Former Sandgate Baptist Church

Learning in Sandgate

Sandgate has two primary schools:

• Sandgate State School is a government primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It also has a special education program.
• Sacred Heart Primary School is a Catholic primary school for students from Prep to Year 6.

There are no secondary schools right in Sandgate. Students usually go to Sandgate District State High School in nearby Deagon or Bracken Ridge State High School in Bracken Ridge.

Things to Do and See

Holidaymakers at Sandgate, ca. 1920 to 1930

Most of Sandgate's shops and services are along Brighton Road. You'll find banks, shops, and a shopping centre with a Woolworths supermarket. An Aldi supermarket is also in the area. The Sandgate railway station is close by.

The old Sandgate Post Office building is now a restaurant called 4017 Bar & Grill.

The Brisbane City Council runs a public library at 1 Seymour Street.

Sandgate has many parks, walking and bike tracks, and a public swimming pool on Flinders Parade.

Sports and Activities

• The Sandgate Golf Club is in Shorncliffe.
• Local sports teams include the Sandgate-Redcliffe Gators and Sandgate Football Club.
• Surf Connect Watersports Centre offers kitesurfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddling.
• The Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) offers gymnastics, martial arts, and other sports. They also host Blue Light Discos.
• The Shorncliffe Pottery Club meets at the PCYC.

Fun Events

• The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race starts from Shorncliffe Pier every Easter. This is part of the Bluewater Festival, which has many arts and cultural events.
• The Shorncliffe Pottery Club holds an annual art exhibition called Expressions at Sandgate Town Hall every October.

Explore Sandgate's Past

The Sandgate & District Historical Society & Museum is at 150 Rainbow Street. It's in an old building that used to be a general store and a funeral business.